Our crew at Advenduro Tours loves a good challenge, especially one that combines mind and body. As a result we’ve added GPS Scavenger Hunts to most of our events. The scavenger hunt is always an optional activity, and you are not required to participate. But after you see how much fun our GPS Scavenger Hunts are, well let’s just say you might love them!

Here’s how they work:

Prior to an event, you will find a set of GPS coordinates in your daily itinerary. You will need to program those GPS coordinates into your Smart Phone or Hand Held GPS unit prior to starting the event. Once you’ve embarked on your Advenduro Tours adventure, use your GPS to navigate yourself to the specified locations. Typically a reliable GPS device will get you within a few feet of your target.

Once you arrive at your GPS, keep your eyes open, because it’s not always obvious what you’re looking for. In some GPS Scavenger Hunts you will be required to located a cache of goodies, like a refreshing beverage or snack. In other events, like those that have large groups, you might have to locate a clue at each GPS point that helps you solve a larger mystery.

Fortunately the details of your specific GPS Scavenger Hunt will be detailed in your itinerary, and you can always ask your tour guide to help clarify the objective of any particular mission. So have fun and enjoy the outdoors!

We recommend the following GPS Smart Phone Apps, Handheld GPS Units, and Resources:

Apple iPhone-

Topo Maps ($7.99)
Hands down the best navigation application available to smart phone users! This application might cost $8, but it’s probably worth hundreds of dollars. First off, Topo Maps has access to hundreds of public (free) USGS map databases. Also, you are able to download an entire region to your device, so it will be available if you lose cell reception. This has proven to be extremely valuable to all the Advenduro Guides, as we are rarely within cell service. You will also find that the USGS maps are highly detailed, as you will see everything from creeks to abandon gold mines! Entering and navigating to GPS coordinate is also very easy.

Android-

BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS ($11.99)
If you hang out with the ATV/UTV or adventure motorcycle crowd, you will find that most of those people are huge fans of BackCountry Navigator. It is definitely the best GPS app for the purpose of storing offline maps, marking waypoints, and navigating to GPS coordinates. It uses the USGS topo maps, so it has the highest level of detail you can get. There are hundreds of tutorial videos available online to bring you up to speed.

Handheld Devices-

The handheld GPS market is constantly changing, so we won’t recommend specific units. Rather we will tell you what you should look for. First off, it’s critical to have reliable product support and a community to back that brand. So we only endorse two companies in the handheld GPS market; Garmin and Delorme. Both are excellent companies with a long history of making great products. However, we have always found that Garmin is notorious for “nickel and diming” its customers any chance they get. So expect to pay a lot more than the hardware cost with Garmin, as you will likely have to pay annually for updates to your maps. Delorme on the other hand, sells their products with maps and updates included. This makes their products a lot more affordable.